Remember to Get Your Medicare Yearly Wellness Visit

Posted by Medicare Made Clear

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When Ben Franklin first said this over 200 years ago, he was talking about more than disease. But given the medical advances since then, even the health-conscious Franklin might be amazed at what’s possible today.

Medicare is doing its part to honor Franklin’s message. First offered in 2011, a Yearly Wellness Visit is now covered under Medicare Part B. There is no copay or deductible for this visit, and you must have had Part B for at least 12 months to qualify. If you took advantage of this benefit in 2011, your next Wellness Visit must be at least 12 months after your last one.

What to Expect at Your Wellness Visit

The Wellness Visit is focused on prevention. You and your doctor work together to assess and understand your current health status and to identify ways to improve your health. You’ll develop a personalized plan to help prevent disease based on your health and risk factors. The visit also serves to help detect any potential health problems early so they can be treated.

At the visit, your doctor will measure your height, weight, blood pressure and other health indicators as needed based on your health status. He or she will test your cognitive abilities and review and update your:

Medical and family health history

Medications list, including supplements

Health risk profile

Health screening schedule

Referral services list

If you get additional tests or services during the same visit that aren’t covered under the preventive benefits, you may have to pay coinsurance and the Part B deductible may apply.

Here’s to Your Health

Be sure to see your doctor for a Medicare Wellness Visit in 2012. This one ounce of prevention just may be the best New Year’s resolution you can make.

For more information contact the Medicare helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. You can also contact UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Made Clear to learn more 1-877-619-5582, TTY 711, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.